Boycott Picturehouse?

[rendelharris]

Otta Wrote:

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> I kind of agree with the post above. This is a

> pretty new cinema, presumably you applied for the

> jobs knowing full well what the pay was?

Ever taken a job knowing the pay wasn't what it should be but you needed a job and it was the least poorly paid one going? I certainly have.

[uncleglen]

geobz Wrote:

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> I think you should blame and protest against the

> Gov. The Picturehouse seems to be doing whatever

> is within its legal rights as a company.

>

> 0 Hour contracts are awful, of course Britain post

> Brexit will see an increase to that.

What do you mean 'of course' -makes no sense. Surely post-Brexit there will be less competition for jobs (assuming free movement is stopped) so less need for zero hours contracts.

Zero hours contracts have always been used as a stick to beat the Tories with.....

The only time I worked under a similar set up was for the ILEA when Ken Livingstone was in charge....people were relentlessly exploited

[bsand]

.

[stoo31]

geobz Wrote:

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> I think you should blame and protest against the

> Gov. The Picturehouse seems to be doing whatever

> is within its legal rights as a company.

>

> 0 Hour contracts are awful, of course Britain post

> Brexit will see an increase to that.

>

> Asking for ?9.75 minimum salary is funny. Most

> retail jobs are offering around ?8 an hour in a

> much less relaxed environment.

>

> That Cinema has more than 5 employees? WOAH! No

> wonder... Literally I can't see any possible way

> that a Cinema of that caliber has that many

> employees. The times I've been there it feels like

> a family run cinema with a few small rooms.

>

> Anyways good luck, I feel like your wrong for

> feeling entitled to wages of ?9.75 and no 0 hour

> contracts. You don't like it just change jobs, or

> I don't know vote for a Gov that will give you

> what you want.

I'm sorry what do you know about running a cinema? The fact you think it's family run shows your ignorance, have you even read the statement? They are owned by Cineworld and post profits in the tens of millions.

I don't know how you can begrudge people trying to get a fair wage and fixed contracted hours like the rest of us rely on to be able to actually live. Also voting doesn't change anything does it? I didn't vote for the tories but that doesn't change the fact they are dismantling the country does it?

Picturehouse have clearly poor policies when it comes to their staff and their staff should be supported. They're not asking for bonuses or hand-outs they just want to be treated fairly.

[KidKruger]

"Surely post-Brexit there will be less competition for jobs (assuming free movement is stopped)".

This one statement does stand out.

Competition ?

Like non-foreigners even tried for these jobs in the first place.

[JohnL]

stoo31 Wrote:

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> Picturehouse have clearly poor policies when it

> comes to their staff and their staff should be

> supported. They're not asking for bonuses or

> hand-outs they just want to be treated fairly.

Their rivals did so two years back - so it's not the business model.

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/oct/29/curzon-cinema-chain-london-living-wage

and this was one of the tools they used

https://www.change.org/p/curzon-cinemas-pay-workers-the-london-living-wage

and here's their website now boasting about paying the London Living Wage.

http://corporate.curzon.com/recruitment/

[stoo31]

"Zero hours contracts have always been used as a stick to beat the Tories with....."

Oh the poor old Tories, do you know what a state the country is in at the moment? Even before Brexit happened their handling of the economy has been laughable and the man responsible for it is now working 6 jobs while also taking a salary as an MP and we all idly get on and let it happen.

They don't need beating with a stick, the entire "democratic" system in this country needs an overhaul and we need to stop excusing those in power and actually hold them fully accountable.

[geobz]

rednharris why dont you put your money where your mouth is?

Go sell your house and split profits with the picturehouse workers lol..

Its so funny how this forum is filled with people that are ready to protest because their yoga bootcamp won't run on Saturday.

Picturehouse is paying up salaries, staff is asking for way above service level salaries because... they think they deserve it. Thats not how the world works. And 0 hour contracts are legal, change jobs or keep doing it your choice.

[titch juicy]

geobz Wrote:

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> rednharris why dont you put your money where your

> mouth is?

>

> Go sell your house and split profits with the

> picturehouse workers lol..

>

> Its so funny how this forum is filled with people

> that are ready to protest because their yoga

> bootcamp won't run on Saturday.

>

>

> Picturehouse is paying up salaries, staff is

> asking for way above service level salaries

> because... they think they deserve it. Thats not

> how the world works. And 0 hour contracts are

> legal, change jobs or keep doing it your choice.

Wow! So childish.

So you think that's how the world works? If something isn't fair don't moan, just quietly accept it.

The London Living Wage isn't specific to certain industries (your comment re- service level salaries). If service level salaries are below the LLW then they are too low, and if workers in one service level industry protest and make change, then hopefully others will feel empowered to do so. Any small change that makes the world a fairer place is worthwhile.

[rendelharris]

geobz Wrote:

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> rednharris why dont you put your money where your

> mouth is?

>

> Go sell your house and split profits with the

> picturehouse workers lol..

Well...no, just too pathetic to warrant a response.

[stoo31]

geobz Wrote:

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> rednharris why dont you put your money where your

> mouth is?

>

> Go sell your house and split profits with the

> picturehouse workers lol..

>

> Its so funny how this forum is filled with people

> that are ready to protest because their yoga

> bootcamp won't run on Saturday.

>

>

> Picturehouse is paying up salaries, staff is

> asking for way above service level salaries

> because... they think they deserve it. Thats not

> how the world works. And 0 hour contracts are

> legal, change jobs or keep doing it your choice.

Service industry jobs pay too low hence why they have to be subsidised by tips which again is a joke. London Living Wage should be enforced and not an option just like the minimum wage.

The difference between paying rent and get paid an adequate salary and complaining about yoga classes are worlds apart and you just clearly show how ignorant you are AGAIN

[bsand]

Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.

[edphstaff]

We deliberately chose to start the protest at 1pm so that those attending the Peppa Pig movie showing at 12.15pm could go in and enjoy it and we could tell them about our issues on the way out.

To geobz, I and most of the staff do vote for a party different to the current lot in power.

'The Picturehouse seems to be doing whatever is within its legal rights as a company'. Just because it's the legal right of a company to do something doesn't mean a) it morally right or b) that we should just accept it because it's the law and the law is always right as you're suggesting. we are also doing what is legally our right as workers. maybe you think that makes it right then or if not maybe we agree? but just saying it's the law and therefore it's ok is not really an interesting argument.

Thanks to John for pointing out that it is possible to pay your staff the London Living Wage and remain profitable. This shouldn't come as a shock to anyone.

Otta, i joined the cinema knowing what the wages were and our power to change them. Through our campaigning we have already gained a 28p p/h increase.

rendelharris, thanks for pointing out the obvious to Otta there. and yeah there's a few people that never have worked in the service industry and certainly can't imagine their kids ever doing so. the horror.

stoo31 and titch juicy thanks for the support.

geobz, 'Picturehouse is paying up salaries, staff is asking for way above service level salaries because... they think they deserve it. Thats not how the world works. And 0 hour contracts are legal, change jobs or keep doing it your choice.'

We are asking to be paid the same as the nearest comparison, Curzon.

'Thats not how the world works' - you're justifying what we perceive to be one inequality based on another inequality which is a bad argument. Again you're assuming it's correct because it's the law. I'm sure i don't need to remind someone as well educated as yourself that there have been a lot of laws in the past that we now consider abhorrent. Rather than change jobs i have confidence in our power to change our current situation.

[uptheworkers!]

edphstaff - you do have support, don't feel you're alone. People commenting on here who have educated themselves know how Cineworld / Picturehouse are abusing their staff's goodwill. People can see through the 'independent' facade and know you are employed by money-grabbing, exploitative capitalists.

Anybody who pays a penny to PH needs to give their head a wobble.

[alice]

If Peckhamplex [a proper independent cinema] makes a profit on ?4.99 tickets. PH can certainly afford more.

[JoeLeg]

Peckham Plex surely has lower operating costs though. I think Curzon is a better comparison; I strongly doubt Plex spends the same on all the bells and whistles of PH.

[dbboy]

No one knows if Peckham Plex is making a profit on the ticket price they charge, think you also need to consider if they own the plex or are renting it. Rents in Peckham are likely to be cheaper per sqft or on whatever basis the rental is calculated (usually based on similar size properties locally). My point is the rents in East Dulwich have already resulted in some smaller businesses ceasing to trade.

I can appreciate that you want a fair wage for the job you do as do your colleagues, and you are making a comparison to other cinemas. You should be receiving at least minimum wage and if you can push for the Living wage great.

Do you know what PH overheads are?

Businesses are their to male a profit, and if they don't, they do not survive very long after that. Profits either go to the business owners or people who have invested money and expect a return (the shareholders). High streets across the UK have seen the results of what happens when loses exceed income, see Woolworths, BHS etc. Properties then remain empty for long periods. Deprivation starts to set in as a result because people cannot afford to live there any more as jobs no longer exist and they consequentially do not have enough income to survive.

[uptheworkers!]

JoeLeg Wrote:

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> Peckham Plex surely has lower operating costs

> though. I think Curzon is a better comparison; I

> strongly doubt Plex spends the same on all the

> bells and whistles of PH.

Good comparison, they can pay LLW - why can't PH?

[edphstaff]

I don't know the total cost of their overheads, no. I do know that they own the building they are in in East Dulwich and have recently purchased the old Irish Shop next door in order to expand, most likely in to a private screening room.

What we do know, however, is that Cineworld made post tax profits of ?83.3 million in 2015 and in figures just announced yesterday, made ?93.8 million post tax profit for 2016.

I also think it's safe to assume Peckhamplex are making a profit on their tickets, they've been open and charging the same price for years.

JoeLeg, as i've said before, Curzon is a suitable comparison and they pay the living wage...

And thanks for the support 'uptheworkers'! come down on the day to support us!

[JoeLeg]

Question, because I really don't know.

Are Cineworlds profit for their worldwide organisation? Is Curzon a UK-only company? What I'm getting at is that perhaps the total post-tax profits for Cineworld as a whole aren't the figures you need?

If Curzon can pay it, you need to prove that it means PH can pay it, and for that I suspect you need to prove that the PH 'section' of Cineworld can afford it, otherwise I wonder if the comparison doesn't hold up?

I mention this because if I was in your place, I wouldn't be looking at th whole of Cineworlds finances, as their head office bean counters can easily shift stuff around to 'prove' that they can't afford it. If Curzon is paying it then I would be trying to isolate that part of Cineworld occupied by Picturehouse and comparing only them - financials, size, staffing, turnover, customers etc - to make my case.

Every time you mention the profits made by the entirety of Cineworld I think it doesn't help you, because those profits partly come from places that have nothing to do with PH. You need to be focusing just on PH and how it compares to Curzon. That's the way you'll get to what you want.

[Fellbrigg Josh]

I would be more than happy to swap with you. You can try stringing out ?100 ESA pittance for two weeks, and I can take the job you clearly do not value. Send a PM if you wish to discuss further.

[Loz]

uptheworkers! Wrote:

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> People commenting on here who have educated themselves ...

PONCEY SELF-INDULGENT COMMENT KLAXON!!!

Jeez I hate that phrase. Why do people use it??

[ianr]

The last-published annual report and accounts of Picturehouse Cinemas Ltd can be downloaded from https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/02310403/filing-history. Picturehouse Cinemas Ltd appear ultimately to be fully owned by Cineworld Group plc http://www.cineworldplc.com/.

[uptheworkers!]

Loz Wrote:

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>

> PONCEY SELF-INDULGENT COMMENT KLAXON!!!

>

> Jeez I hate that phrase. Why do people use it??

I don't much like the word 'Jeez' but I on't get upset or SHOUT about it.

Why did I use the phrase? Because there's quite a few ill-informed comments on here about this issue. People have a responsibility to educate themselves before commenting, really

Have a nice evening.

[Fellbrigg Josh]

"Educate yourself" is socialist for "stop having your own opinion and take mine instead".

As I stated earlier, if you are so unhappy with your job, please, feel free to message me, and we can arrange a meeting with your supervisor. We can swap, you can be unemployed and I can take your job.